The Agroentrepreneurship NC III Qualification consists of competencies that a person must achieve to engage agroenterprise (AE) industry stakeholders, ensure product supply, implement financial management, mobilize farmer’s participation in capacity building activities and conduct collective marketing.
This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Sector.
A person who has achieved this Qualification is competent to be:
- Farmer Leader
AGROENTREPRENEURSHIP NC III QUALIFICATION
Course Title: AGROENTREPRENEURSHIP
Level: NC III
Nominal Training Duration : 445 Hours
This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, desirable attitudes and skills of Farmer Leader. It includes competencies in engaging agroenterprise industry stakeholders, ensuring product supply, implementing financial management, mobilizing farmers participation in capacity building activities and conducting collective marketing.
These guidelines are set to provide the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers with information and other important requirements to consider when designing training programs for AGROENTREPRENEURSHIP NC III
TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Trainees or students wishing to enroll in this course should possess the following requirements.
- Can communicate both orally and in writing;
- Can perform mensuration and calculation;
and any of the three:- Holder of AE NC II, or Holder of NC on Crop Production, Animal Production, Aquaculture, and Food Processing
- With two (2) year experience for the last five (5) years in any of the above-mentioned areas (Agroentreprise, Crop Production, Animal Production, Aquaculture, and Food Processing)
- Graduate of Agriculture-related courses in any of the above-mentioned areas (Agroentreprise, Crop Production, Animal Production, Aquaculture, and Food Processing)
COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN AGROENTREPRENEURSHIP NC III
This units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:
| UNIT CODE | CORE COMPETENCIES (348 Hours) |
|---|---|
| AFF243305 | Engage Agroenterprise (AE) Industry Stakeholders |
| AFF243306 | Ensure Product Supply |
| AFF243307 | Implement Financial Management |
| AFF243308 | Mobilize Farmers Participation in Capacity Building Activities |
| AFF243309 | Conduct Collective Marketing |
| UNIT CODE | COMMON COMPETENCIES (75Hours) |
| AFF321201 | Apply Safety Measures in Farm Operations |
| AFF321203 | Perform Estimation and Basic Calculation |
| HCS421201 | Provide Quality Customer Service |
| HCS315202 | Comply with Quality and Ethical Standards |
| UNIT CODE | BASIC COMPETENCIES (22 Hours) |
| 500311109 | Lead workplace communication |
| 500311110 | Lead small teams |
| 500311111 | Develop and practice negotiation skills |
| 500311112 | Solve problems related to work activities |
| 500311113 | Use mathematical concepts and techniques |
| 500311114 | Use relevant technologies |
CORE COMPETENCIES (348 Hours)
Core competency units in AGROENTREPRENEURSHIP NC III
ENGAGE AGROENTERPRISE (AE) INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS (AFF243305) – The unit deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for an AE Implementer to collect and supply data for site project selection, support organizing AE industry stakeholders and sustain partnership.
- Collect and supply data for site project selection
- Data are gathered based on accepted industry procedures
- Data are submitted to facilitator according to industry practices
- Validated data are filed following standard procedures
- Support organizing AE industry stakeholders
- Agroenterprise Industry stakeholders are listed according to industry procedures
- Relevant partners who will provide support are recommended based on the list of agroenterprise industry stakeholders
- Farmers are selected and mobilized for clustering based on established selection criteria
- Clustered farmers are profiled following industry procedures.
- Formulation of AE implementation policies is facilitated based on standard operating procedure
- Sustain partnership
- AE policy implementation is monitored, recorded and reviewed
- Issues are identified and conveyed to concerned partners
- Conflicts are resolved following the agreed AE policies and procedures
- Policies are reiterated to industry stakeholders
ENSURE PRODUCT SUPPLY (AFF243306) – This unit deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for AE implementer to lead in selection of product, establish production module, prepare supply plan, oversee and monitor the implementation of production activities and implement safety and precautionary measures.
- Lead in the selection of product
- Product data are extracted from the farmers information profile
- Prioritized products are presented based on established criteria
- Farmers are guided in the selection of product for agroenterprise through consensus
- Establish Production Module
- Data from the bench marking on production are gathered based on established guidelines
- Production module is developed according to data gathered and best practices
- Production module is presented and confirmed with members based on consensus
- Prepare Supply Plan
- Product supply is estimated based on farmers committed Production module
- Product supply is assessed based on the product demand
- Supply plan is formulated based on farmers’ commitment and product demand
- Monitor the implementation of production activities
- Production activities are directed consistent with the production module
- Quality control activities are performed based on the established market specifications
- Production volume is monitored based on supply plan
- Supply plan is improved and adjusted based on monitoring results
- Implement safety precautionary measures
- Workplace hazards are identified
- Tasks and workplaces are assessed
- Appropriate control measures are established
- Safety and health practices are observed
IMPLEMENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (AFF243307) – The unit deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to develop financial plan, facilitates loan application and payment of farmer-members, practice savings and implement record keeping. This unit focuses on financial aspects of the agro-enterprise activities, excluding the non-financial.
- Facilitate financial plan development
- Computation of financial requirements are guided according to agro-enterprise activities
- Selection of Sources of Financial services is facilitated based on financial requirement
- Data for the financial analysis are extracted from agroenterprise activities
- Computation of breakeven price and volume are guided using data extracted from production module
- Packaging of Financial Plan is guided based on industry standards
- Facilitates loan application and payment
- Farmers are guided to become member of organization based on standard procedures
- Submission of complete documents for loan availment is facilitated based on the requirements of service providers
- Loan payment is monitored based on approved loan agreement
- Promote saving practice
- Saving schemes were promoted following industry practices
- Savings mobilization and utilization is guided based on cluster and organization’s policies
- Policy on savings and its utilization are reiterated based on agreed policies
- Policy amendment is recommended based on existing operation
- Monitor and assess implementation of financial plan
- Practice record keeping following industry requirements
- Financial reports are prepared based on industry practice
- Result of financial performance assessment is used for AE decision making
- Improvement is implemented based on recommendation
MOBILIZE FARMERS PARTICIPATION IN CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES (AFF243308) – The unit deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required of farmer cluster leader to assess capacity building needs of farmers, implement capacity building program and mentor farmers.
- Assess Capacity Building needs of farmers
- Feedback are gathered from Farmer Members based on industry standards
- Capacity building interventions for farmer members are prioritized with AE Facilitator based on gathered feedback
- Prioritized capacity building interventions are discussed with farmer members for agreement based on industry standards
- Prioritized capacity building interventions are endorsed to AE Facilitator based on the agreement
- Facilitate participation of farmers in capacity building intervention
- Farmers are identified and endorsed for capacity building training
- Request letter for accessing support for farmers capacity building intervention is prepared and submitted to appropriate institutions based on agreement with farmer members
- Farmer participation to capacity building intervention is coordinated and monitored
- Coach and Mentor farmers
- Scope and scheme of coaching and mentoring is determined based on the needs of farmer members
- Coaching and mentoring activities with farmer members are done based on AE planned activities
- Farmers’ learnings and insights on AE activities are gathered using appropriate tools and techniques
CONDUCT COLLECTIVE MARKETING (AFF243309) – The unit deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required of Agroenterprise (AE) Implementers to conduct market chain study, undertake test marketing, carry out sustained marketing and implement value adding activities.
- Conduct Market Chain Study
- Market map on selected produce is crafted based on farmers’ information.
- Market visit is coordinated with potential buyers and business development service providers according to established industry practices
- Farmers are oriented on the conduct of market visit according to established industry practices
- Market visits are led according to industry procedures
- Comparative table of buyers and business development service is prepared based on the result of market visit
- Selection of buyers and business development service (BDS) providers is facilitated based on comparative table
- Farmers’ engagement with buyers and BDS providers are facilitated based on the result of market visits
- Undertake test marketing
- Consolidation of produce is coordinated according to agreed supply plan
- Coordination with BDS is performed based on AE plan
- Selling of consolidated products to buyers is led based on AE plan
- Test marketing assessments are guided according to industry procedures
- Carry out sustained marketing
- Adjustment in AE plan is facilitated according to the result of test marketing assessment
- Product deliveries are coordinated based on the improved AE plan
- Installation of management structure with business operating systems and policies is led according to industry practices
- Potential second liners are recommended according to established criteria
- Scale up AE operations
- Farmers are guided to study additional market based on product supply capacity & market requirement
- Value adding activities are introduced based on market requirements
- Review of AE Business operation is undertaken together with farmers according to industry standard practices
- Enhancement of agroenterprise plan is directed according to increasing members, products and markets
COMMON COMPETENCIES (75 Hours)
APPLY SAFETY MEASURES IN FARM OPERATIONS (AFF321201) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform safety measures effectively and efficiently. It includes identifying areas, tools, materials, time and place in performing safety measures..
- Determine areas of concern for safety measures
- Work tasks are identified in line with farm operations
- Place for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
- Time for safety measures are determined in line with farm operations
- Appropriate tools, materials and outfits are prepared in line with job requirements
- Apply appropriate safety measures
- Tools and materials are used according to specifications and procedures
- Outfits are worn according to farm requirements
- Effectivity/shelf life/expiration of materials are strictly observed
- Emergency procedures are known and followed to ensure a safework requirement
- Hazards in the workplace are identified and reported in line with farm guidelines
- Safekeep/dispose of tools, materials and outfit
- Used tools and outfit are cleaned after use and stored in designated areas
- Unused materials are properly labeled and stored according to manufacturer’s recommendation and farm requirements
- Waste materials are disposed according to manufacturers, government and farm requirements.
PERFORM ESTIMATION AND BASIC CALCULATION (AFF321203) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to perform basic workplace calculations.
- Perform estimation
- Job requirements are identified from written or oral communications
- Quantities of materials and resources required to complete a work task are estimated
- The time needed to complete a work activity is estimated
- Accurate estimate for work completion are made
- Estimate of materials and resources are reported to appropriate person
- Perform basic workplace calculation
- System and units of measurement to be followed are ascertained
- Calculation needed to complete work tasks are performed using the four basic mathematical operation
- Calculate whole fraction, percentage and mixed when are used to complete the instructions
- Number computed is checked following work requirements
PROVIDE QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE (HCS421201) – This unit covers the knowledge, skill and attitudes
required to provide effective and efficient services to the clients of the microfinance industry.
- Update knowledge of products and services
- Products and/or services to be marketed are identified, familiarized with and fully understood
- Information on programs is accessed
- Knowledge on products, services and programs are updated
- Additional information on products, services and programs are prepared
- Assess needs of new and existing clients
- Active listening is used to gather information from clients
- Orientation on products/services, program and policies are conducted
- Identified related or applicable needs of clients based on the products/services and program being offered
- Provided clients with courteous and professional treatment throughout the interaction using interactive communication
- Inquiries, concerns and comments are responded to promptly and accurately in accordance with organization’s policies
- Recorded all the gathered information given by the clients
- Conduct client satisfaction survey
- Client satisfaction survey is administered
- Survey results are collated and analyzed
- Positive and negative results are defined
- Negative feedbacks are well addressed immediately through appropriate communication strategies
COMPLY WITH QUALITY AND ETHICAL STANDARDS (HCS315202) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to apply quality and ethical standards in the workplace. The unit also includes the application of relevant safety procedures and regulations, organization procedures, client and industry requirements.
- Assess quality of received materials
- Work instruction is obtained and carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures
- Received materials are checked against workplace standards and specifications
- Defective materials are identified, reported and isolated
- Defective materials are repaired/replaced in accordance with workplace procedures
- Defects and any identified causes are recorded and/or reported to the concerned personnel in accordance with workplace procedures
- Assess own work/output
- Documentation relative to quality within the company is identified and used
- Completed work is checked against workplace standards
- Defects are identified and corrected in accordance with the company quality standards
- Submit oneself to third party assessment
- Information on the quality and other indicators of performance are recorded in accordance with workplace procedures
- In cases of deviations from specific quality standards, causes are documented and reported in accordance with the workplace’s standards operating procedures
- In cases of objections/disagreements, reasons are expressed thru written documentation
- Settlements are sought in accordance with company policies
- Engage in quality improvement
- Process improvement procedures are participated in relative to workplace assignment
- Work is carried out in accordance with process improvement procedures
- Services are delivered in accordance with ethical standards
- Quality service is monitored to ensure client satisfaction
- Client’s needs are assessed through conduct of researches, focus group discussions, and satisfaction surveys/interviews
- Trainings, orientations, and exposures are rendered to ensure their understanding/familiarization on products, services and programs
BASIC COMPETENCIES (22 Hours)
LEAD WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION (500311109) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to lead in the dissemination and discussion of ideas, information and issues in the workplace.
- Communicate information about workplace processes
- Lead workplace discussions
- Identify and communicate issues arising in the workplace
LEAD SMALL TEAMS (500311110) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes to lead small teams including setting and maintaining team and individual performance standards.
- Lead small teams
- Provide team leadership
- Assign responsibilities among members
- Set performance expectation for team members
- Supervise team performance
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE NEGOTIATION SKILLS (500311111) – This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes
required to collect information in order to negotiate to a desired outcome and participate in the negotiation.
- Identify relevant information in planning negotiations
- Participate in negotiations
- Document areas for agreement
- Identify relevant information in planning negotiations
- Participate in negotiation
SOLVE PROBLEMS RELATED TO WORK ACTIVITIES (500311112) – This unit of covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required solving problems in the workplace including the application of problem solving techniques and to determine and resolve the root cause of problems.
- Explain the analytical techniques
- Determine the possible cause/s of the problem
- Prepare action plans
USE MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS AND TECHIQUES (500311113) – This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required in the application of mathematical concepts and techniques.
- Identify mathematical tools and techniques to solve problem
- Apply mathematical procedures/solution
- Analyze results
USE RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES( Apply technology effectively) (500311114) – This unit of competency covers the knowledge, skills, and attitude required in selecting, sourcing and applying appropriate and affordable technologies in the workplace.
- Identify appropriate technology
- Apply relevant technology
- Maintain/enhance relevant technology
LIST OF TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
Recommended list of tools, equipment and materials for the training of AGROENTREPRENEURSHIP NC III
| TOOLS | EQUIPMENT | MATERIALS |
|---|---|---|
| Scissor | LCD & white cloth | Marking pens (permanent) |
| Stapler | computer | Marking pens (whiteboard)/ chalk |
| printer | Ballpens | |
| Puncher | Portable speaker with microphone | Pencils |
| Calculators | Phone camera | Masking tape (1 inch) |
| glue | ||
| White/ black board | Flipchart | |
| Manila paper | ||
| Cartolina | ||
| Record book | ||
| Bond paper | ||
| Staple wire | ||
| Meter tape | ||
| Printer ink (black & colored) | ||
| Production inputs (e.g., seeds, Fertilizers, chemicals) | ||
| Crayon (8 pcs/box) | ||
| Reference materials (manual, guide book) |